NASHVILLE — Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) today announced the appointment of Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate. Haile replaces Jim Tracy who resigned late last year to accept a presidential appointment.

Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) will replace Haile in the position of Deputy Speaker.

“Ferrell Haile is the epitome of a servant leader. An extremely effective legislator, Senator Haile never seeks credit for his accomplishments and is quick to praise others,” stated McNally. “He is focused, organized and driven for the purpose of doing good for his constituents, the Senate and the state of Tennessee.”

“Ferrell has served the Senate well as Deputy Speaker and his performance as Vice Chair of the Health and Welfare Committee has been nothing short of exemplary. His talents and skills are a natural fit for this position. I am proud to appoint him,” McNally concluded.

The Speaker Pro Tempore is a key leadership role in the General Assembly, in terms of both operations and policy. Most notably, the Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the state Senate in the absence of the Speaker of the Senate.

The Deputy Speaker also plays a key role in leadership advising the Speaker and the Senate on matters of policy and operations.

“Janice Bowling is a strong, valuable member of our caucus,” said McNally. “She is an excellent legislator who works tirelessly on behalf of her constituents. I am looking forward to her advice and counsel in this new role. She will be an outstanding Deputy Speaker.”

About Ferrell Haile

Born and raised in Sumner County, Haile has been a small business owner, pharmacist, and farmer in the county for over 40 years. Haile was first elected to the Senate in 2012. Prior to his election, he served briefly as an interim appointee. Haile was recently named “Legislator of the Year” by the Tennessee CASA for his efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Haile currently serves a 1st Vice Chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. He also serves as a member of the Finance Ways Means Committee, the Education Committee and the Committee on Rules.

About Janice Bowling

A former public school teacher and resident of Tullahoma, Janice Bowling served on the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Alderman from 1992 until 2008. From 1995 to 2000, she served as Congressman Van Hilleary’s District Director. She was elected to the state Senate in 2012.

Bowling currently serves as 1st Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She also serves on the Transportation Committee and the Government Operations committee.